With this one, I wanted a distinct voice that was inbetween a journal, and an educational account. It was my first try at this angle and character. Pleasantly surprised with how it turned out. I think by the end I’d found a niche to work into. Not mightier-than-thou flowery language like Kophistome, but more long, dramatic, humble poeticism that was more appropriate of a traveller.
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“We encountered creatures within the swamps, that seldom move without provocation. One must be wary when stepping through even the most shallow creeks, for their nostrils appear above the water alike to stones.
Tirok, unfortunately met his end from such a stroke of luck. The krach, as so named, snapped within a blink of my eyes. The next moment was filled with much blood and pain. His scream was delayed as he stared down at his missing appendage for a length of time. It was the peculiar disbelief that his face wore that made many men scream their own terror. Then the krach lunged again, up and deep into his torso. Tirok’s eyes were dark then, as the long jaw shook his disfigured body from side to side, then into the muddy waters.
It was indeed as the stories say, a mighty waterdragon. Eyes like a snake, the width of a hand. It had no wings or voice, and strode on four taloned feet. It had an elongated row of curved fangs, that delivered a sound as deafening as the crack of a whip. Scales and protruding bulges down its spine allowed for the water to remain still throughout its passage. Some dark magic of its nature I dare say.
The others convinced me to turn back to the camp, although we had only departed. I doubt any one of us could stomach a meal after seeing Tirok’s body plunge into the murky depths of the swamp. We will hunt again tomorrow, or note the various strategies of the waterdragon. Not a man here wants to be so ignorant as to make Tirok’s death a vanity.
We might one day be able to hunt this mighty dragon. To avenge Tirok, to place his remains upon the pyre of the brave.”
— Excerpt from ‘An Encounter with the Waterdragon Krach’ by Beastier Nithmar of Clan Thane.
He has ambition, and is clearly biased in this situation. But, he is also attempting a faithful description of the creature. For the sake of his further ambitions and general posterity. It’s an interesting line to walk, but an enjoyable one. I don’t really know when I’ll get back to Nithmar, but I’m looking forward to it.
Andy Montajes 
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